Under Bashar al-Assad's Rule: 830 Foreign Military Sites in Syria
November 16, 2024, 2:41 pm

Under Bashar al-Assad's Rule: 830 Foreign Military Sites in Syria

القمة الرباعية بشأن سوريا

This report presents maps illustrating the distribution of foreign military bases in Syria, examining the presence of various foreign powers, including the U.S.-led international coalition, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Hezbollah.

The report relies on maps prepared by the Syrian "Jusoor for Studies Center," which depict the locations of military sites occupied by various international forces directly intervening in Syria. By the end of the first half of 2022, the total number of these foreign bases and military points reached 830, distributed as follows: U.S.-led coalition: 30 sites; Turkish forces: 125 sites; Russian forces: 105 sites; Iranian forces: 570 sites.

The coalition has established 30 military sites, including bases and outposts, across six governorates: 17 in Hasakah, 9 in Deir ez-Zor, one base in Raqqa, one base in the rural Damascus, one in Homs, and another in Aleppo.

The presence of the international coalition in eastern Syria poses a barrier to the expansion of Russian and Iranian influence. Meanwhile, Israel maintains a distinct presence through ongoing airstrikes against "Iranian targets" in Syria. There are understandings among foreign powers to regulate their relations and "prevent clashes."

The new study of foreign military sites in Syria reveals an overall increase in the number of bases and military points for all foreign powers, with the exception of Turkey and the U.S., which have largely maintained the number and locations of their posts. There has been a slight increase in Russian presence; however, Iran has experienced the greatest growth in the number of sites and area of deployment during the first half of 2022. This marks the largest foreign military presence in Syria's history, reflecting the extent of external influence compared to the diminishing role of Syrians themselves in altering the course of their country's situation.

Since the outbreak of the war in Syria in 2011, sparked by massive anti-regime demonstrations, multiple countries have intervened to support the Syrian government on one side and opposition factions on the other. Foreign intervention includes political, military, and operational support for parties engaged in the Syrian conflict, in addition to active foreign involvement. Most parties involved in the war have received support, whether military, logistical, or diplomatic, from foreign states and entities.

The "Jusoor for Studies Center" has documented the locations of Iranian forces across various Syrian provinces, amounting to 570 military sites. These bases serve as centers for decision-making regarding military operations in Syria, whether for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps or other affiliated militias. The data indicates that the numbers and distribution of these forces provide them with a substantial degree of influence and control, often surpassing that of government forces.

In an interview with Russian media last March, President Bashar al-Assad confirmed that "the increase in the number of Russian military bases in Syrian territory may be necessary in the future, as Russia's presence in Syria is tied to the global balance of power." Assad stated, "The view of military bases should not be solely linked to the issue of combating terrorism; the fight against terrorism is currently ongoing but will be temporary. The Russian military presence in any country cannot be based on something temporary; we are talking about international balance... Russia's presence in Syria has significance related to the balance of power in the world."

Caroline Levitt is Trump's White House spokeswoman. No Changes in U.S. Policy in the Middle East After Donald Trump’s Victory

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.